Xbox One S review: The $299 games console that will make your 4K TV shine
- New console is 40% smaller than previous Xbox one
- 'Robot white' colour means it blends into a living room more easily
- Offers 4K and HDR video streaming to latest ultra HD TV sets
- However, far more powerful version set to be released next year
It is arguably the best games console ever made - and the key to getting the most out of your new 4K TV.
Microsoft's Xbox One S, which goes on sale today, has shrunk the original giant console by 40%, making this a machine that won't look out of place in any living room.
While it offers 4K video playback and HDR gaming, it can also play the latest and greatest games, making it a contender for the ultimate living room gadget - but with some caveats.
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The Xbox One S, which comes in a colour called 'robot white', is 40 per cent smaller than the original Xbox One and has abandoned the bulky power external supply seen in previous consoles.
It is a smaller, sleeker Xbox One - but at its heart, still an Xbox One.
For a true next generation console, fans will have to wait until next year when Microsoft launches its Scorpio machine.
However, for now the One S is the most powerful, and best looking machine out there.
In comes in a colour called 'robot white', is 40 per cent smaller than the original Xbox One and has abandoned the bulky power external supply seen in previous consoles.
This makes a big difference -and thanks to its supercharged internals, the new machine is also far quieter.
It looks stunning, and for those with a 4K UHD TV, its new video capabilites may be enough to justify buying it.
It will upscale all non-4K video to 2160p of you have a compatible UHD, and the boosted graphics make the menu systems feels a little snappier.
According to Microsoft, it is 'the only console that allows you to watch Blu-ray movies and stream video in stunning 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range (HDR).'
However, there are some caveats here as well.
At the moment, Netflix is the only supported streaming service, although expect more to come.
HDR, however, is also in evidence in games -and does make a difference, but only if you've got a compatible TV.
Don't however, expect games to look stunningly different, just a little clearer and sharper.
In effect, HDR has higher contrast ratio between lights and darks - if you're playing a compatible game.
Microsoft has also taken the decision not to bundle its Kinect camera sensor with the S.
In fact, you'll need a bulky and ugly adapter with a seperate power supply - although Microsoft will give it to you for free.
For most users, this isn't an issue - few games supported Kinect anyway.
However, it did offer some nice features such as voice control and recognising and logging in users.
For voice control there is now a headset port of the controller, but it's not quite as nice as simply walking in and saying 'Xbox on' to switch on your entire system.
The console will cost from $299 in the US to £349.99 in the UK.
Microsoft has also tweaked the design to make it easier to use to control other AV equipment such as speakers and a TV.
There's also now an IR blaster, so it can control your TV and AV amp.
The wireless controllers for the new Xbox One S (pictured) has a much greater range than previous consoles
The controller, also now robot white, is lighter and a bit slimmer, and does feel much nicer in the hand.
However, it is the 4K capabilities that Microsoft says give it a boost over arch rival Sony, and that could well prove to be the case.
It's a tough call for existing Xbox One owners, unless they really want to show off their new 4K TV (and Sont has a PlayStation 4.5 coming as well).
The console comes in a white colour (pictured), a break from the dark colours seen in previous generations
However, this is undoubtedly the greatest console Microsoft, and arguably anyone, has made, and for a movie fan looking for something to play UHD 4K discs, its a steal.
However, for the average user, its a question of whether the looks and 4K capabilities justify the upgrade - or whether you're willing to wait for Project Scorpio next year.
It's a tough choice - but for a low cost way to play some truly stunning games, and get the most out of a 4K HDR TV, it's a great option - albeit one that will only last you a year.
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